Karen Alonso
Chief Advancement & Communications Officer
Karen joined the UWSN team in April 2023. She is an accomplished non-profit leader with a strong passion for mission-driven work. Karen brings extensive expertise in developing and implementing innovative strategies that drive brand growth and generate meaningful impact.
Throughout her career, Karen has demonstrated a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and has a keen ability to leverage marketing and fundraising techniques. She has a proven track record of developing and executing successful campaigns, elevating brand visibility, and cultivating meaningful connections with diverse audiences. Her efforts have resulted in increased donor engagement, enhanced community partnerships, and sustained fundraising growth. Her innovative approach to fundraising has consistently delivered results, enabling organizations to exceed their revenue goals and expand their mission and impact.
Karen’s strategic vision and leadership enable UWSN to effectively communicate its mission, engage stakeholders, and inspire action. By integrating marketing and fundraising efforts, she ensures a cohesive approach to advancing UWSN’s objectives.
Prior to joining the team at UWSN, Karen had a successful, 14-year tenure at national fundraising consulting firm, Catapult Fundraising. During that time, she spearheaded direct to donor, multi-channel marketing campaigns, which resulted in millions of dollars raised for prestigious non-profit organizations including International Rescue Committee, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, Special Olympics International, West Point Association of Graduates, Nevada SPCA, Atomic Museum, UC Davis Health, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute to name a few. Karen attended the University of Arizona and earned her bachelor’s degrees in both Marketing & Business Management from Montclair State University. She is currently serving as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Las Vegas Chapter as well as Immediate Past President of the American Marketing Association, Las Vegas Chapter. Karen also serves on the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Branding Council and the UNLV Marketing & International Business Community Advisory Board.
